The challenges for Domenic J. Sarno have gone far beyond the usual political realm this year.
No strangers to the tests he’s faced as mayor of Springfield, Sarno revealed in October that he’s been diagnosed with cancer. Even as he began treatments and predicted a full recovery, Sarno made sure one important aspect of his life remained unchanged: as he has for decades, the mayor sent in one of the first donations to the Toy for Joy Christmas campaign.
Sarno’s $200 donation came with a simple yet poignant message.
“Please keep all of our children safe and happy,” he said.
Sarno is maintaining his work schedule while being treated for his undisclosed form of cancer. He knows many families are also facing challenges, ranging from health to economic need.
And so, every year, he donates to a cause that has been making children in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties happy for more than a century.
Not only did Sarno again help kick off the campaign, his contribution this year was even larger than in 2023. Contributions from all the early donors are bellwethers that signal the 102nd year of Toy for Joy is underway.
All donors will be recognized with a list each Thursday in the Republican and the Reminders, and online at MassLive.com.
No donation is too big or too small. Proceeds go directly to the cause they were intended. This drive is run through the sponsorship of the Salvation Army and promoted and advertised by The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino.
The Hampden County Sheriff’s Department and other community partners and volunteers will again deliver their support, allowing the money to be channeled directly to the purchase of toys and books — and thus, to the children who receive them.
The campaign runs until Christmas Eve with a goal of $150,000. Gifts will be distributed from Salvation Army locations in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield.
Sarno’s relationship with the Springfield newspapers dates back half a century. As a youth, his delivery route for the afternoon Daily News helped him earn enough money to purchase a 10-speed bicycle, and also buy Christmas gifts for others. He still tells that story with fondness.
Many families and donors support Toy for Joy by making donations in the name or memory of loved ones who have passed on — or sometimes, those who have not. Spouses, children, relatives and even pets are remembered and honored in this impactful way.
If anything, this method of meaningful recognition has become more popular in recent years. It’s a way Sarno has honored Alfonso and Clara Sarno, his late parents.
Donating has never been more convenient. A coupon published with Toy for Joy stories may be used to submit a contribution by mail to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103.
Donors can also make online contributions at give.salvationarmy.org/give/212002/#!/donation/checkout.
Families with children 16 or under are eligible to be recipients, but prior registration is required. Early indicator are that the need is as great or greater than ever.
Registration is underway. The registration link is salvationarmyma.org/toyforjoy.
Each child will receive toys, games and books. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Applicants must register only once per household. They will receive an email confirmation with their toy distribution date and time.
They must bring their email confirmation and photo ID for pickup. Their pickup time will be listed under “Order Summary.”
Gifts will be distributed in mid-December. Distribution dates will be announced soon.
More information can be obtained by calling 413-733-1518.
Donations received up to Nov. 14:
- Please keep all our children safe and happy, from Mayor Domenic J. Sarno — $200
- Sunny — $50
- Have a happy Christmas, Aspen and Harry — $50
- Peace and blessings to all from Bill and Rita — $100
- In memory of Hazel and Athos Rossi and their children, Peter, Nola, Susan and Tina — $20
- Merry Christmas from Dan and Bev — $25
- In memory of my parents Albert and Lucy Distefano, love family — $20
- In memory of Bob who loved Christmas — $20
- In memory of Jill Stefanik — $10
- Merry Christmas, peace and love, Nora — $25
- In loving memory of Cheryl Ann Levy — $25
- Loving memories of Ruth and Bud Pederzoli from their grateful daughter — $25
- Lovingly remembering the Dunn and Moran families especially John and Dan — $25
- William — $250
- Kenn and Kathy Sinclair — $100
- Sarah K Mitchell — $350
Received: $1,295
Total to date: $1,295
Still needed: $148,705
